DAVID HESS | OPINION It turns out that the challenges of realising nuclear-propelled ships


are much greater than floating nuclear power plants. This is surprising when you consider that the first nuclear power submarine was launched before the world’s first nuclear power plant began operation


nuclear shipping – such as the NS Savanah and the NS Otto Hahn. These demonstration vessels were decisive proof of technology, but for economic and practical reasons they were retired early. The system changes needed for the commercialisation of nuclear vessels never took place and the nascent sector never took float. As for floating nuclear power plants, hats must be


tipped to Rosatom, which persevered through the long and arduous process of building Akademik Lomonosov – the world’s ‘first’ floating nuclear power plant, and arguably the world’s first SMR. This two-unit plant is now berthed off the frozen north coast of the Russian Federation, providing the town of Pevek reliable heat and electricity, but it was a saga to get it there. Russia is certainly planning more floating plants for domestic use and wants to sell this technology abroad, but no contracts have been signed so far. First is in inverted commas, as the history buffs reading will no doubt point out the Sturgis and possibly some other early and almost forgotten US endeavors. Let it be said again that there is not much new under the sun in nuclear. One thing that should be fairly obvious by this point is


that Russia has a dominant position in the maritime nuclear sector – as they currently do with so much of the global nuclear market. Russian representatives were, however, conspicuously absent. As for China, that other great emerging nuclear player,


national representatives also seemed to be absent. This was eyebrow raising not from the nuclear standpoint, but rather the shipping one, as China is the dominant global shipping player with the largest number of bulk carriers flying its flag. The purpose of the Summit and the broader movement


it represents is clearly to reinvigorate the maritime nuclear prowess of the USA and UK and to build it within their sphere of allies – so that Russia and China might one day have rivals in this space. There is indeed a romantic appeal in combining the nuclear capabilities of the USA with the maritime heritage of the UK. One wonders whether this can be anything more than nostalgia. Another question is whether, minus the participation of


China and Russia, it will be possible to overcome the many global challenges that currently stand in the way of fulfilling the potential of maritime nuclear. What are these obstacles that make clearly technically achievable nuclear maritime applications such a heavy lift? According to the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) they can be broadly categorised as nuclear regulation, maritime regulation and stakeholder outreach. On the regulation side, it is evident that national


regulations which apply to land-based nuclear reactors are entirely inappropriate for a class of technology that is inherently international and mobile. A certain level of international regulatory harmonisation is demanded, at least between the countries where the vessels travel. Existing nuclear civil liability conventions are also


apparently inadequate and just do not cover the full potential of damage that could be caused by a nuclear


accident at sea. The Brussels convention was supposed to address this, but that convention never entered into force. According to legal experts, progress on international treaties can be expected to take decades. The nuclear maritime sector is trying tackle this through bilateral approaches On the maritime regulation side, there is a set of global


rules governing various aspects of maritime activities from which nuclear is either absent or, in case of the pivotal Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) treaty, where the provisions are out of date. As for docks and ports, if receiving class 7 materials is an issue for many, then the berthing and refuelling of nuclear ships is clearly right out of the question. Docks and ports are a key part of the nuclear maritime future, as they become the key beneficiaries, as well as the ones having to adapt to cope with the risks. Given the importance of the regulatory challenge, one


hugely significant announcement made at the Summit was that NEMO has been officially awarded NGO status by both the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Together these organisations will work to update the regulatory frameworks, safety protocols, and best practices needed for a thriving commercial nuclear maritime sector. This is extraordinary progress given that NEMO was only launched in April 2024. The inspirationally named organisation is comprised of companies with an interest in the sector. The challenges don’t end there. Most of the private


companies developing these maritime nuclear systems have specific requirements that essentially demand the use of advanced reactor technologies. Core Power at least claims that this is crucial for insurability, which is in turn, key for any ships to sail. Some technology providers are developing molten salt


reactors while others are designing high-temperature TRISO-fueled reactors for this purpose. Surprisingly little is being done with light-water reactors, despite the historical experience with these designs. Another challenge involves developing the competent


workforce and somehow convincing the shipping sector itself to increase the number of crew on vessels – given that most now operate with minimal staff. Culturally, there are vast differences between the nuclear and maritime sectors, including where most of the workforce comes from. Many in the shipping sector are sceptical whether this divide can ever be bridged. One speaker at the Summit described the transition from diesel to nuclear as being just as great as the transition from sail to fuel. That applies to more than just the technology. Arriving at a nuclear maritime future requires new


technology, international cooperation and ultimately changes in culture and mindsets. The nascent maritime nuclear sector and the progess it is making is frankly a model for creating change in the nuclear industry. Those with an interest in nuclear space exploration and other major paradigm shifts are well-advised to watch closely and learn. ■


www.neimagazine.com | August 2025 | 15


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